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What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.